Method for restoring acidic or sodic alkali soils in a contaminated site

ABSTRACT

A method for restoring a contaminated site comprising the steps of: undertaking an amendment of a contaminated site by applying a first catalyst and a second catalyst to the contaminated site; and incorporating the first catalyst and the second catalyst into a soil on the contaminated site to form an amended contaminated site, wherein the contaminated site has excessive acidity, alkalinity and/or sodic contamination, wherein amending the contaminated site with the first catalyst and the second catalyst assists in the restoration of the amended contaminated site by transferring a biological energy generation mechanism to the amended contaminated site which improves the capacity of the amended contaminated site to balance a hydrogen cycle and hydrogen exchange between biotic and abiotic sources.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for restoring a contaminatedsite. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method forrestoring a contaminated site having excessive acidity, alkalinityand/or sodic contamination.

BACKGROUND ART

Nutrient depletion, excessively high or low pH levels, or sodicity insoils adversely affects soil quality and water quality and reduces cropyield and consequently poses a potential threat to global food securityand agricultural sustainability. Soils can become depleted of nutrients,acid or alkaline or sodic through over tillage, erosion, leaching orthrough inadequate replenishment of nutrients. Nutrient depletion,excessively high or low pH levels, or sodicity has been observed insoils in fields, paddies, orchards, and the like. Further contaminationof soils, in particular of metal contamination, may lead to nutrientdepletion and/or accumulation of metals which may bioaccumulate throughthe food chain.

Nutrient storage in naturally formed soils is primarily ensconced inhumus—a dynamically manufactured substance which characterises fertilesoils and which is largely responsible for the initial adsorption andsubsequent dissipation of contaminants. Humus is also a primaryrepository for moisture storage in soils. The depletion of soilsglobally is thus a simple function of practices and processes whichdeplete both stored reserves of humus and the natural mechanisms bywhich humus is dynamically maintained. A key symptom of depleted soil isdesiccation—the loss over time of soil moisture reserves which leadseventually to desertification. Systems which naturally store nutrientsin soil also store water. Where water storage capacity declines,evapotranspiration results in drying of soil. In addition, systemsresponsible for the manufacture and maintenance of humus reserves insoil are also responsible for the biological manufacture of water orhydrosynthesis. It will be understood that the term “hydrosynthesis” isintended to refer to a process which enables the biological manufactureof water and assists in the maintenance of soil moisture reserves. Wheresymptomatic soil degradation has occurred, desiccation anddesertification follow. Further, depleted soils also frequently displaycontamination with excessive acidity, alkalinity and/or sodic levels.

Traditionally, fertilisers have been added to nutrient depleted soils toassist in managing nutrient supply to crops. However, the addition offertilisers to a depleted soil can accelerate soil depletion and doesnot of itself contribute to the rebuilding of soil nutrient reserves. Inaddition, key nutrients such as phosphorus, are a finite resource andare expensive to process and deliver. Phosphorus added annually to adepleted soil results in rapid locking up of the applied nutrient in aform unavailable for plant growth. Phosphorus availability requires thepresence of water. Where soils are depleted and desiccation occurs,phosphorus lock-up is accentuated. Further, with the onset of globalwarming and shifting weather patterns, there is a concern that moreintense and longer droughts will accelerate desiccation of soils andfurther reduce global agricultural productivity. Traditionally, additionof gypsum, maintaining adequate vegetation cover, leaf litter or stubbleon the soil surface, and crop selection have been used to assist inreplacing sodium in sodic soils with calcium. Traditionally, addition oflime, sulphur, or organic material have been used to assist in managingexcessive acidity or alkalinity in soils.

All and any substances which are biologically manufactured or derivedare completely dependent upon the capture either directly or indirectlyof solar energy. The efficiency of any process resulting in creation ofan organic molecule used in a biological structure is a function of thelevel of efficiency of the mechanism used to capture and store solarenergy which underpins the formation of that organic molecule. Itfollows then that the manufacture of organic molecules used to constructhumus and maintain humus reserves in soil and the biological reactionswhich result in hydrosynthesis rely upon sustained harvesting, storageand transfer of solar energy.

Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide asustainable method that not only replenished nutrient reserves andoverall soil moisture levels and water storage capacity in acontaminated site, but also improved the on-going capacity of a soil inthe contaminated site to capture, store and transfer solar energy andbalance hydrogen compounds which underpin the acidity, alkalinity orsodic contamination of a contaminated site.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication isreferred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission thatthe publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art inAustralia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method for restoring acontaminated site which may at least partially overcome at least one ofthe abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a usefulor commercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, residesbroadly in a method for restoring a contaminated site comprising thesteps of:

-   -   (a) Undertaking a primary amendment of a contaminated site with        a first catalyst and a second catalyst, wherein the first        catalyst and the second catalyst are applied to at least a        portion of the contaminated site such that a matrix of        biological energy generation points are constructed on about 5%        of the contaminated site by area;    -   (b) Undertaking a secondary amendment of the contaminated site        with the first catalyst and the second catalyst, wherein the        first catalyst and the second catalyst are applied to at least a        portion of the contaminated site such that a matrix of        biological energy generation points are constructed on about 20%        of the contaminated site by area, and    -   (c) Undertaking a tertiary amendment of the contaminated site        with the first catalyst and the second catalyst, wherein the        first catalyst and the second catalyst are applied to at least a        portion of the contaminated site such that a matrix of        biological energy generation points are constructed on about 75%        of the contaminated site by area,    -   wherein the contaminated site is a site that has excessive        acidity, alkalinity and/or sodic contamination, and    -   wherein the primary amendment, the secondary amendment and the        tertiary amendment of the contaminated site are each conducted        at least once.

The term “catalyst” as used herein is broadly defined as a substancethat produces or generates a reaction regardless of whether it undergoesa change itself.

The term “amendment” as used herein is broadly defined as a process oraction that leads to a change in the condition of the land, including aphysical change, a chemical change, a biological change, or any suitablecombination thereof.

The term “site” as used herein, and with reference to FIG. 1 , isbroadly defined as a three-dimensional space which includes the surfaceof the soil, the contiguous atmosphere above the soil and the threedimensional area of the soil below the surface of the soil. Preferably,the site may be defined as being an area which includes the surface ofsoil, the contiguous atmosphere immediately above the soil to a heightabove the surface of the soil of approximately 1 metre and the threedimensional area of the soil to a depth of about 100 mm below thesurface of the soil.

Any suitable type of site may be amended. Preferably, however the siteto be amended may be a contaminated site. In this instance, it will beunderstood that a contaminated site may be a site having excessiveacidity, alkalinity and/or sodic contamination. For instance, thecontaminated site may be arable land, non-arable land, pasturable land,meadows, grassland, agricultural land, farmland, orchards, plantations,forests, bush or scrub land, park land, residential land, commercialsite, construction site, golf courses, athletics fields, race courses,wetlands, water courses and bodies, land-based aquaculture facilities,rehabilitation sites, remediation sites, restoration site, revegetationsite, fire-affected sites, mine sites, landfill, waste dumps, commercialcomposting facilities, on-farm composting facilities, or the like. Inthis instance, it will be understood that amending the contaminated sitein effect amends the three-dimensional space including the surface ofthe soil, the contiguous atmosphere above the soil and thethree-dimensional area of the soil below the surface of the soil. Forinstance, amending farmland may in effect amend the surface of the soil,any features on the surface of the soil (such as, but not limited to, aland formation, a water course or body, a compost pile, a hay bale,vegetation, or the like), the three dimensional area of the soil belowthe surface of the soil, any features in the soil (such as, but notlimited to, an underground water course or body, a compaction layer, aclay layer, or the like) and the contiguous atmosphere above the surfaceof the soil being amended.

The method of the present invention provides a method for restoring acontaminated site. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, themethod of the present invention provides a method for improving theon-going capacity of a soil to balance hydrogen compounds. Preferably,the method of the present invention provides a method for restoring acontaminated site, wherein amending a contaminated site with a firstcatalyst and a second catalyst facilitates the on-going capacity of thesoil to balance hydrogen compounds. Preferably, amending a contaminatedsite with a first catalyst and a second catalyst facilitates thetransfer of a biological energy generation mechanism to the contaminatedsite. In a preferred embodiment, the biological energy generationmechanism comprises the capture of solar energy outside the spectralrange used by plants by one or more photosynthetic bacteria and thesubsequent storage of the captured energy as an organic molecule. Itwill be understood that the solar energy is initially stored as chemicalenergy transfer compounds (such as ATP and NADPH), which aresubsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to build other compoundsrich in hydrogen (such as carbohydrates, proteins and water) which actas both energy storage compounds and nutrient storage compounds.

It will be understood that the biological energy generation process maytrigger a nutrient accumulation process, including, but not limited to,nitrogen and carbon sequestration, and subsequently results in theformation of a humified soil, wherein the humified soil may be an energystorage compound and a nutrient storage compound which is not negativelyimpacted by either an excess or a deficit of available hydrogen ions orby sodic contamination. In use, it is envisaged that the improvednutrient storage and water storage capacity resulting from thedevelopment of a humified soil may assist in the absorption andmanagement of contaminants, including contamination arising from animbalance in hydrogen ions and/or sodicity.

Preferably, the method for restoring a contaminated site may improve theon-going capacity of a soil to balance hydrogen compounds. In thisinstance, it will be understood that the capacity of a soil to balancehydrogen compounds may refer to its ability to balance the hydrogencycle and hydrogen exchange between biotic and abiotic sources.

In use, it is envisaged that the method for restoring a contaminatedsite may support the development of the local microbiome or ecosystem,such that there may be sufficient stored energy to support thestructures needed for a healthy microbiome (such as bacteria, archaea,viruses, fungi, protozoa, and the like) and subsequently the organismsinteracting with the microbiome (such as humans, plants, animals,earthworms, insects, and the like). In use, it is envisaged thatsustained energy generation may improve the ability of the soilmicrobiome to recover from and/or resist disease. Advantageously, thisnatural restoration may result in the regeneration of indigenous floraand/or fauna in the site since these are dependent on the environmentalconditions and microbiome unique to the site.

In use, it is envisaged that the method for restoring a contaminatedsite may support biological hydrosynthesis, generating an excess of soilmoisture, increasing water storage capacity of the soil and increasingevapotranspiration. In this instance, the excess soil moisture mayresult in an increase in water flow and subsequently movement of waterwithin the water table. In use, it is envisaged that large scaleimplementation of the method may increase the likelihood ofprecipitation and the overall precipitation received in a contaminatedsite. In use, it is envisaged that the stimulated microbiome triggeredby the method includes the flourishing of Pseudomonas species and otherspecies which may travel in the atmosphere of the contaminated site andwhich may cause the seeding of precipitation. In use, it is envisagedthat the improved water cycle may help act as a hydrogen and salt bufferand to facilitate the mechanisms for hydrogen balancing which aresought.

In use, it is envisaged that the method for restoring a contaminatedsite may assist in the restoration of the soil. Restoration of the soilmay be indicated by a suitable soil fertility indicator. For instance,the soil fertility indicator may include a chemical indicator (such ascation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, levels andavailability of phosphorus and nitrogen, acidity, and the like), aphysical indicator (such as soil texture and structure, wet aggregatestability, available water capacity, water holding capacity, hardness,infiltration rate, and the like) or a biological indicator (such asearthworms, organic matter, organic carbon, soil respiration, soilprotein, soil enzymes, and the like). Preferably, the method forrestoring a contaminated site may improve one or more of availablephosphorus, total phosphorus, calcium availability, water holdingcapacity, aggregate formation and stabilisation, soil microbiomediversity, or earthworm populations in the soil, may balance acidity oralkalinity levels in the soil, may reduce high sodic levels, may assistin sequestration of nitrogen and/or carbon in the soil, may reducebioavailability of a metal in a contaminated soil, or any suitablecombination thereof. Preferably, the method for restoring a contaminatedsite may be used to prepare a contaminated site prior to construction onthe contaminated site. For instance, the method may be used to reducethe acidity of a soil in a contaminated site prior to laying a concreteslab on the contaminated site.

Preferably, the method for restoring a contaminated site may balance theacidity or alkalinity of the soil. In use, it is envisaged that themethod for restoring a contaminated site may balance the acidity oralkalinity of the soil by balancing the hydrogen cycle, buffering thesoil pH, facilitating cation exchange, or any suitable combinationthereof.

Preferably, the method for restoring a contaminated site may reduce thesodicity of the soil. It will be understood that the term “sodicity”refers to the amount of sodium held in the soil and that a sodic soil isa soil wherein sodium makes up more than about 5% of all cations presentin the soil.

The method for restoring a contaminated site comprises the step ofundertaking an amendment of a contaminated site with a first catalystand a second catalyst. Preferably, the first catalyst and the secondcatalyst may be applied to at least a portion of the contaminated sitesuch that contact between the catalysts and the soil constructs a matrixof biological energy generation points in and/or on the amendedcontaminated site. In this instance, it will be understood that thismethod facilitates the transfer of a source of and/or a substrateproduced by and which stimulates the activity of the one or moreprokaryotic organisms to each point in the matrix, triggering theformation of a humified soil and biological hydrosynthesis andsubsequent water generation at each point in the matrix. Over time, itis envisaged that construction of a matrix of biological energygeneration points facilitates treatment of a contaminated site andimproves the on-going capacity of a soil in the amended contaminatedsite to balance hydrogen compounds. In use, it is envisaged that thismethod results in natural nutrient accumulation, including nitrogen andcarbon sequestration, balancing the acidity or alkalinity of the soiland/or reducing the impact on plant growth of any excessive sodicity ofthe soil.

The first catalyst and the second catalyst may be of any suitable form.However, in some embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that thecatalyst may comprise a liquor, a fertiliser (and particularly abiofertilizer) or other high value organic material, a humus or humifiedsoil, an incubated culture, a collected substrate for energy generation,or the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the first catalystand the second catalyst may be the same type of catalysts or may be ofdifferent types. In an embodiment of the invention, the first catalystand the second catalyst may be the same catalyst.

In an embodiment of the invention, the catalysts may comprise a sourceof and/or a substrate produced by and which stimulates the activity ofthe one or more prokaryotic organisms. For instance, the prokaryoticorganism may comprise one or more species of archaea, one or morespecies of bacteria, or any suitable combination thereof. Theprokaryotic organism may be anerobic, aerobic, autotrophic,heterotrophic, phototrophic, chemotrophic, photosynthetic, or anysuitable combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the prokaryotic organisms may include purple non-sulphurproducing heterotrophic photosynthetic bacteria, Lactobacillus species,yeasts, Actinomycetes species, Nocardia species, a ray fungi, plankton,chemotrophic bacteria, or an suitable combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first catalyst comprises anorganic substrate which includes characteristics and elements commonlyfound in a humified soil. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,the first catalyst comprises a humified soil prepared from thecontinuous fermentation of an organic material. In an embodiment of theinvention, the first catalyst comprises a humified soil prepared fromthe continuous fermentation of an organic material, wherein thecontinuous fermentation process comprises a source of and provides ahabitat for the sustained activity of low temperature fermentationmicroorganisms. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the firstcatalyst comprises a humified soil prepared from the continuousfermentation of an organic material, wherein the humified soil comprisesa viable source of and/or substrates produced by and which stimulate theactivity of at least one of an aerobic microorganism, an anaerobicmicroorganism and a photosynthetic microorganism. Preferably, the firstcatalyst comprises a humified soil prepared from the continuousfermentation of an organic material, wherein the humified soil comprisesa source of and/or substrates produced by and which stimulate theactivity of heterotrophic photosynthetic bacteria and/or prokaryoticorganisms including either one of archaea or bacteria. In an embodimentof the invention, the first catalyst may be an output product producedby the method and/or system described in Australian patent no.2014250680, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an embodiment of the invention, the second catalyst comprises aliquid fertiliser. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, thesecond catalyst comprises a liquid fertiliser prepared from thecontinuous fermentation of an organic material. In an embodiment of theinvention, the second catalyst comprises a liquid fertiliser preparedfrom the continuous fermentation of an organic material, wherein theliquid fertiliser may be a reconstituted microbial substrate. In anembodiment of the invention, the second catalyst comprises a liquidfertiliser prepared from the continuous fermentation of an organicmaterial, wherein the continuous fermentation process comprises a sourceand a habitat for the activity of low temperature fermentationmicroorganisms. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the secondcatalyst comprises a liquid fertiliser prepared from the continuousfermentation of an organic material, wherein the liquid fertilisercomprises a viable source of and/or substrates produced by and whichstimulate the activity of at least one of an aerobic microorganism, ananaerobic microorganism, a heterotrophic microorganism and aphotosynthetic microorganism. Preferably, the second catalyst comprisesa liquid fertiliser prepared from the continuous fermentation of anorganic material, wherein the liquid fertiliser comprises a source ofand/or substrates produced by and which stimulate the activity ofheterotrophic photosynthetic bacteria and/or prokaryotic organismsincluding either one of archaea or bacteria. In an embodiment of theinvention, the second catalyst may be an output product produced by themethod and/or system described in Australian patent no. 2012283757, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Preferably, the method comprises the steps of undertaking a primaryamendment of a contaminated site, a secondary amendment of thecontaminated site and a tertiary amendment of the contaminated site,wherein the primary amendment, the second amendment and the tertiaryamendment of the contaminated site may be conducted over a period oftime. The amendment regime may be conducted over any suitable period oftime. In an embodiment of the invention, each of the primary amendmentof the contaminated site, the secondary amendment of the contaminatedsite, and the tertiary amendment of the contaminated site may beconducted at least once. In this instance, it will be understood thatthe amendment regime may be conducted at least once. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, each of the primary amendment of thecontaminated site, the secondary amendment of the contaminated site, andthe tertiary amendment of the contaminated site may be conducted atleast once annually. In this instance, it will be understood that theamendment regime may be conducted at least once annually. However, itwill be understood that the amendment regime may be conducted anysuitable number of times in order to construct a matrix of biologicalenergy generation points in and/or on the amended contaminated sitecapable of facilitating sustained energy generation and the generationof energy storage compounds, such as a humified soil, on thecontaminated site.

The time period separating the secondary amendment of a contaminatedsite from the primary amendment of the contaminated site and the timeperiod separating the tertiary amendment of the contaminated site fromthe secondary amendment of the contaminated site, may be of the samelength or of different lengths.

Any suitable number of amendment regimes may be undertaken. However, itwill be understood that the number of amendment regimes may varydepending on a number of factors, such as the condition of thecontaminated site to be treated and the current and planned future useof the contaminated site. The time period separating a first amendmentregime of a contaminated site from a second amendment regime of thecontaminated site may be of any suitable length. For instance, a secondamendment regime of the contaminated site may be commenced at theconclusion of a growing season of a crop, may be commenced on the basisof one or more soil fertility indicator tests, may be commenced after apredetermined time interval, or any suitable combination thereof.

The first catalyst and the second catalyst may be applied to thecontaminated site in any suitable manner. For instance, the firstcatalyst and the second catalyst may be stored and applied to thecontaminated site together, may be stored in separate storage vesselsand applied to the contaminated site together, or may be stored inseparate storage vessels and applied to the contaminated siteindependently of one other. In an embodiment of the invention whereinthe first catalyst and the second catalyst may be applied to thecontaminated site independently of one another, it is envisaged that thefirst catalyst and the second catalyst may be applied sequentially tothe contaminated site or may be applied to the contaminated site at thesame time. However, it will be understood that the method of applyingthe first catalyst and the second catalyst to the contaminated site mayvary depending on a number of factors, such as the composition andcharacteristics of the first and second catalysts, the method ofapplication, the type and size of the contaminated site to be treated,and the treatment regime.

Amendment of a contaminated site may be carried out in any suitablemanner. For instance, one or both of the first catalyst and the secondcatalyst may be sprayed onto the contaminated site, may be dripirrigated, may be furrow irrigated, may be aerially applied, may bebroadcasted or spread, or any suitable combination thereof. However, itwill be understood that the method of applying the first catalyst andthe second catalyst to the contaminated site may vary depending on anumber of factors, such as the composition and characteristics of thefirst and second catalysts, the method of application, the type and sizeof the contaminated site to be treated, and the treatment regime.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or both of the first catalyst andthe second catalyst may be mixed with one or more other substancesbefore the first catalyst and the second catalyst may be applied to thecontaminated site. Any suitable substance may be used. For instance, thesubstance may act as a processing aid for storage and delivery of thecatalyst, may facilitate the application of the catalyst to thecontaminated site, may facilitate the soil taking up the catalysts, maymaintain viability of an organism in the catalyst, increase theavailable pool of a nutrient in the soil, may stimulate a targetedresponse in nutrient accumulation, or the like. Any suitable substancemay be used. For instance, the additive may comprise an emulsifier, astabiliser, a wetting agent, a preservative, a surfactant, a mineral, asource of a nutrient, or the like. For instance, a source of calcium maybe added to the catalyst to increase the available calcium in the soil.For instance, a source of sugar may be added to the catalyst to improvethe fermentative capacity of the soil.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first catalyst and the secondcatalyst may be applied to at least a portion of the contaminated site.In this instance, it will be understood that the at least a portion ofthe contaminated site may include the surface of the soil, thecontiguous atmosphere above the soil and the three-dimensional area ofthe soil below the surface of the soil. Any suitable portion of thecontaminated site may be amended. For instance, the first catalyst andthe second catalyst may be applied to about 5% of the contaminated siteby area, about 10% of the contaminated site, about 15% of thecontaminated site, about 20% of the contaminated site, about 25% of thecontaminated site, about 30% of the contaminated site, about 35% of thecontaminated site, about 40% of the contaminated site, about 45% of thecontaminated site, about 50% of the contaminated site, about 55% of thecontaminated site, about 60% of the contaminated site, about 65% of thecontaminated site, about 70% of the contaminated site, about 75% of thecontaminated site, about 80% of the contaminated site, about 85% of thecontaminated site, about 90% of the contaminated site, about 95% of thecontaminated site, about 100% of the contaminated site. In someembodiments of the invention, the portion of the contaminated siteamended in a primary amendment, a secondary amendment and a tertiaryamendment may be the same amount, or may be different amounts. However,it is envisaged that in use, the portion of the contaminated siteamended may vary depending on whether the amendment is a primary,secondary or tertiary amendment.

In an embodiment of the invention, the portion of the contaminated siteto be amended may comprise two or more discrete areas of land spacedapart from one another, two or more areas of land, wherein the two ormore areas of land may be continuous along at least one edge thereof, orany suitable combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the portion of the contaminated site to be amended may berandomly selected. In this instance, it is envisaged that the portion ofthe contaminated site to be amended may comprise a combination ofdiscrete areas of land spaced apart from one another and areas of landcontinuous along at least one edge thereof. However, it will beunderstood, that the proportion of discrete areas of land spaced apartfrom one another will decrease as the amount of the contaminated site tobe amended increases.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, during primary amendment ofa contaminated site, the first catalyst and the second catalyst may beapplied to at least a portion of the contaminated site, such that amatrix of biological energy generation points may be constructed onabout 5% of the contaminated site by area. In a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the at least a portion of the contaminated site amendedduring primary amendment may be randomly selected.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, during a secondary amendmentof the contaminated site, the first catalyst and the second catalyst maybe applied to at least a portion of the contaminated site, such that amatrix of biological energy generation points may be constructed onabout 20% of the contaminated site. In some embodiments of theinvention, the secondary amendment of the contaminated site may includethe portion of the contaminated site amended by the primary amendment,may not include the portion of the contaminated site amended by theprimary amendment, or may overlap with a portion of the contaminatedsite amended by the primary amendment. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the at least a portion of the contaminated site amendedduring the secondary amendment of the contaminated site may include theportion of the contaminated site amended during the primary amendment ofthe contaminated site.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, during a tertiary amendmentof the contaminated site, the first catalyst and the second catalyst maybe applied to at least a portion of the contaminated site, such that amatrix of biological energy generation points may be constructed onabout 75% of the contaminated site. In some embodiments of theinvention, the tertiary amendment of the contaminated site may includethe portion of the contaminated site amended by the primary amendmentand/or the secondary amendment, may not include the portion of thecontaminated site amended by the primary amendment and/or the secondaryamendment, or may overlap with a portion of the contaminated siteamended by the primary amendment and/or the secondary amendment. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, the at least a portion of thecontaminated site amended during the tertiary amendment of thecontaminated site may include the portion of the contaminated siteamended during the primary amendment and the secondary amendment of thecontaminated site.

In some embodiments of the invention, the portion of the contaminatedsite to be amended may be randomly selected, or selected according to apredetermined criteria. Preferably, the portion of the contaminated siteto be amended may be randomly selected. The portion of the contaminatedsite to be amended may be the same contaminated site amended during aprevious amendment or a contaminated site not previously amended.

The amendment regime enables the construction of a matrix of biologicalenergy generation points in and/or on the amended contaminated sitesufficient to facilitate sustained and more efficient energy generationand storage within the contaminated site. Preferably, thinly andrandomly spreading the first catalyst and the second catalyst during theprimary amendment of the contaminated site results in a randomdistribution of a source of and/or a substrate produced by and whichstimulates the activity of the one or more prokaryotic organisms acrossthe contaminated site, wherein each contact point between the catalystsand the soil becomes a biological energy generation point. In use, it isenvisaged that as biological activity at each contact point increases, amatrix of biological energy generation points is constructed. As furtheramendments to the contaminated site may be undertaken, additionalcontact points may be created and the matrix of biological energygeneration points extended over a larger area and/or increased indensity in and/or on the existing amended contaminated site until thebiological energy generation process becomes self-sustaining. Over aperiod of time, it is envisaged that the sustained energy generationprocess facilitates restoration of a contaminated site and improves theon-going capacity of a soil in the contaminated site to balance hydrogencompounds.

The first catalyst may be applied to the contaminated site at anysuitable dose rate. For instance, the first catalyst may be applied tothe contaminated site at a dose rate of about 100 kilograms per hectareannually, about 250 kilograms per hectare annually, about 500 kilogramsper hectare annually, about 750 kilograms per hectare annually, about1000 kilograms per hectare annually, about 1250 kilograms per hectareannually, about 1500 kilograms per hectare annually, about 1750kilograms per hectare annually, about 2000 kilograms per hectareannually, about 2250 kilograms per hectare annually, about 2500kilograms per hectare annually, about 2750 kilograms per hectareannually, about 3000 kilograms per hectare annually, about 3250kilograms per hectare annually, about 3500 kilograms per hectareannually, about 3750 kilograms per hectare annually, about 4000kilograms per hectare annually. In this instance, it will be understoodthat the dose rate of the first catalyst applied to the contaminatedsite annually includes the combined amount of the first catalyst appliedin the first amendment, the second amendment and the tertiary amendment.In some embodiments of the invention, the amount of the first catalystapplied in a primary amendment, a secondary amendment and a tertiaryamendment, may be the same amount or different amounts. However, it isenvisaged that in use, the amount of the first catalyst applied duringan amendment of a contaminated site may vary depending on whether theamendment is a primary, secondary or tertiary amendment.

The second catalyst may be applied to the contaminated site at anysuitable dose rate. For instance, the second catalyst may be applied tothe contaminated site at a dose rate of about 5 litres per hectareannually, about 50 litres per hectare annually, about 100 litres perhectare annually, about 150 litres per hectare annually, about 200litres per hectare annually, about 250 litres per hectare annually,about 300 litres per hectare annually, about 350 litres per hectareannually, about 400 litres per hectare annually, about 450 litres perhectare annually, about 500 litres per hectare annually, about 550litres per hectare annually, about 600 litres per hectare annually,about 650 litres per hectare annually, about 700 litres per hectareannually, about 750 litres per hectare annually, about 800 litres perhectare annually, about 850 litres per hectare annually, about 900litres per hectare annually, about 950 litres per hectare annually,about 1000 litres per hectare annually. In this instance, it will beunderstood that the dose rate of the second catalyst applied to thecontaminated site annually includes the combined amount of the secondcatalyst applied in the first amendment, the second amendment and thetertiary amendment. In some embodiments of the invention, the amount ofthe second catalyst applied in a primary amendment, a secondaryamendment and a tertiary amendment, may be the same amount or differentamounts. However, it is envisaged that in use, the amount of the secondcatalyst applied during an amendment of a contaminated site may varydepending on whether the amendment is a primary, secondary or tertiaryamendment.

In some embodiments of the invention, the amount of the first catalystand the second catalyst applied during amendment of at least a portionof the contaminated site may be substantially similar across eachamendment of the amendment regime, wherein the at least a portion of thecontaminated site amended may be of a substantially different sizeacross each amendment of the amendment regime. In this instance, theeffective dose rate of the primary amendment, secondary amendment andtertiary amendment may be substantially different.

The first catalyst and the second catalyst may be applied to thecontaminated site in any suitable ratio relative to one another. Forinstance, the ratio of the first catalyst to the second catalyst may beabout 5:95, about 10:90, about 15:85, about 20:80, about 25:75, about30:70, about 35:65, about 40:60, about 45:55, about 50:50, about 55:45,about 60:40, about 65:35, about 70:30, about 75:25, about 80:20, about85:15, about 90:10, about 95:5. In use, it is envisaged that the ratioof the first catalyst to the second catalyst may vary depending onwhether the amendment is a primary, secondary or tertiary amendment, thecomposition of the first catalyst and the second catalyst, and the typeof contaminated site to be treated.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or both of the first catalystand the second catalyst may be applied randomly to at least a portion ofthe contaminated site. In this instance, it will be understood thatportion of the contaminated site to be treated may be selected accordingto a predetermined criterion and the catalyst applied randomly so as toproduce a spread with greater than about 30% coefficient of variation.Alternatively, one or both of the first catalyst and the second catalystmay be applied uniformly to at least a portion of the contaminated site.For instance, the catalyst may be applied to the portion of thecontaminated site to be treated in a manner such as to produce a spreadwith less than about 25% coefficient of variation.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or both of the first catalystand the second catalyst may be applied to a contaminated site as a topdressing. In some embodiments of the invention, one or both of the firstcatalyst and the second catalyst may be applied to and then mixed inwith the soil on the contaminated site. In some embodiments of theinvention, one or more of the steps of undertaking a primary amendment,a secondary amendment and a tertiary amendment of a contaminated sitemay further comprise applying one or both of the first catalyst and thesecond catalyst to the contaminated site and mixing the catalyst withthe soil on the contaminated site. In use, it is envisaged that mixingthe catalyst with the soil on the contaminated site may assist inconstructing a three-dimensional matrix of biological energy generationpoints in and/or on the soil.

In an embodiment of the invention, an amendment regime comprising aprimary amendment, a secondary amendment and a tertiary amendment may beundertaken on at least a portion of a contaminated site using a firstcatalyst, a second catalyst and a third catalyst. The third catalyst maybe of any suitable form. However, in some embodiments of the invention,it is envisaged that the catalyst may comprise a liquor, a fertiliser(and particularly a biofertilizer) or other high value organic material,a humus or humified soil, an incubated culture, a collected substratefor energy generation, or the like. In some embodiments of theinvention, the third catalyst may be the same type of catalyst as thefirst catalyst and/or the second catalyst, or may be of different types.In an embodiment of the invention, the third catalyst and first catalystand/or the second catalyst may be the same catalyst.

In an embodiment of the invention, the third catalyst may comprise aliquid generated by biological hydrosynthesis. For instance, the liquidgenerated by biological hydrosynthesis may rise in evapotranspirationfrom the contaminated site and return as precipitation, wherein theprecipitation may include rainfall as well as the return of dewfall andhumidity during atmospheric inversion events, such as the natural cycleof cooling at the end of the day. In this instance, it will beunderstood that the third catalyst may be recycled throughevapotranspiration and precipitation cycles. The liquid generated bybiological hydrosynthesis may circulate through the contaminated site byany suitable method by which water moves through a media. For instance,the liquid may circulate through the contaminated site by capillaryaction, convection, evapotranspiration, precipitation, or any suitablecombination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid generated bybiological hydrosynthesis may comprise a source of and/or a substrateproduced by and which stimulates the activity of the one or moreprokaryotic organisms across the contaminated site. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the liquid generated by biologicalhydrosynthesis may facilitate the transfer of a source of and/or asubstrate produced by and which stimulates the activity of the one ormore prokaryotic organisms across the contaminated site. In thisinstance, it is envisaged that the migration of the liquid by capillaryaction through the soil and/or the evapotranspiration of the liquid mayfacilitate the transfer of a source of and/or a substrate produced byand which stimulates the activity of the one or more prokaryoticorganisms. In use, it is envisaged that over time the recycling of thethird catalyst through evapotranspiration and precipitation cycles mayconstruct a matrix of biological energy generation points in and/or onthe amended contaminated site capable of facilitating sustained energygeneration and the generation of energy storage compounds, such as ahumified soil, on the contaminated site.

The present invention provides numerous benefits over the prior art. Forinstance, the application of the catalysts over the contaminated sitedistributes stored captured energy across the contaminated site andtransfers the biological energy generation mechanism to the contaminatedsite, wherein over time the construction of a matrix of biologicalenergy generation points facilitates treatment of a contaminated siteand improves the ongoing capacity of a soil in the contaminated site tobalance hydrogen compounds. In addition, the method supports thedevelopment and health of the soil microbiome and assists in therestoration of the soil by balancing the acidity or alkalinity of thesoil and/or reducing the impact on plant growth of excessive sodicity ofthe soil.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combinationwith any one or more of the other features described herein within thescope of the invention.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that theprior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may bediscerned from the following Detailed Description which providessufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform theinvention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limitingthe scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. TheDetailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional space defined as a site accordingto an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for restoring a contaminatedsite according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for the conversion of organicmaterial according to an embodiment as described in Australian PatentNo. 2014250680, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a waste conversion processaccording to an embodiment as described in Australian Patent No.2012283757, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a waste conversion apparatusaccording to an embodiment as described in Australian Patent No.2012283757, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a waste conversion apparatusaccording to an embodiment as described in Australian Patent No.2012283757, which is incorporated herein by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1 , a three-dimensional space defined as a site 100 according toan embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Site 100 may be definedas being a three-dimensional space which includes the surface of thesoil 10, the contiguous atmosphere above the soil 12 and thethree-dimensional area of the soil below the surface of the soil 14. Inuse it is envisaged that the first catalyst (not shown) and the secondcatalyst (not shown) may be applied to at least a portion of the site100, wherein the at least a portion of the site 100 may include thesurface of the soil 10, the contiguous atmosphere above the soil 12 andthe three dimensional area of the soil below the surface of the soil 14.For instance, the catalysts (not shown) may be applied to the site 100as a spray, wherein the liquid droplets may be dispersed through thecontiguous atmosphere above the soil 12 and onto the soil surface 10where they subsequently migrate into or, are tilled into, the soil body14. In this way, it is envisaged that applying the first catalyst andthe second catalyst to at least a portion of the site constructs amatrix of biological energy generation points in and/or on the site.

In FIG. 2 there is shown a flowchart of a method for restoring acontaminated site 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.

During a primary amendment of the contaminated site, the first catalystand the second catalyst are applied to at least a portion of thecontaminated site 20. Preferably, the at least a portion of thecontaminated site to be amended during primary amendment may be randomlyselected. It is envisaged that the first catalyst and the secondcatalyst will be thinly and randomly spread during the primary amendmentof the contaminated site, such that it results in a random distributionof the catalysts across the contaminated site, wherein each contactpoint between the catalysts and the soil becomes a biological energygeneration point. Preferably, the application of the catalysts acrossthe contaminated site during the primary amendment constructs a matrixof biological energy generation points on about 5% of the contaminatedsite by area.

During a secondary amendment of the contaminated site, the firstcatalyst and the second catalyst are applied to at least a portion ofthe contaminated site 30. Preferably, the at least a portion of thecontaminated site to be amended during secondary amendment includes theportion of the contaminated site amended during the primary amendment ofthe contaminated site. It is envisaged that each contact point betweenthe catalysts and the soil becomes a biological energy generation point.Preferably, the application of the catalysts across the contaminatedsite during the secondary amendment constructs a matrix of biologicalenergy generation points on about 20% of the contaminated site by area.

During a tertiary amendment of the contaminated site, the first catalystand the second catalyst are applied to at least a portion of thecontaminated site 40. Preferably, the at least a portion of thecontaminated site to be amended during tertiary amendment includes theportion of the contaminated site amended during the primary amendmentand the secondary amendment of the contaminated site. It is envisagedthat each contact point between the catalysts and the soil becomes abiological energy generation point. Preferably, the application of thecatalysts across the contaminated site during the tertiary amendmentconstructs a matrix of biological energy generation points on about 75%of the contaminated site by area.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each ofthe stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or morefurther integers.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘anembodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific to structural or methodical features. Itis to be understood that the invention is not limited to specificfeatures shown or described since the means herein described comprisespreferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within theproper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpretedby those skilled in the art.

Portion of Description of Embodiments of Australian Patent No.2014250680, Incorporated Herein by Reference

In FIG. 3 there is shown a flowchart of a method for the conversion oforganic material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this Figure, organic material is collected and transported 101 to thesite at which the method will be performed. The organic material (orblend of organic materials) is spread out 11 so that any contaminants inthe organic material may be removed 120. Spreading of the organicmaterial is achieved using vehicles such as a loader, Bobcat™, or thelike. The purpose of spreading the organic material is to makeidentifying and removing contaminants from the organic material simpleand fast.

It is envisaged that the organic material will be spread so as to form alayer of between about 300 mm and 1000 mm in depth, more preferablybetween about 300 mm and 500 mm in depth. This depth is preferred as itis shallow enough to allow for identification and removal ofcontaminants (where present) without requiring excessive labour inspreading the organic material too thinly.

Preferably, the organic material contains a mixture of dry carbon-basedmaterial (such as wood, chipped pallets etc.), along with materialcontaining more moisture (leaves, sludge cake, grass clippings etc.).

Removal of contaminants may be achieved manually or through an automatedprocess such as screening, magnetic separation or the like, or acombination thereof.

Once contaminants have been removed from the organic material, theorganic material is inoculated 13 with an inoculant comprising a mixtureof aerobic micro-organisms and anaerobic micro-organisms, at least aportion of which comprise photosynthetic micro organisms. In thisembodiment of the invention, the inoculant comprises approximately 50%aerobic micro-organisms and approximately 50% anaerobic micro-organisms,and about 50% of the total micro-organisms in the inoculant arephotosynthetic micro-organisms. It is preferred that the layer oforganic material is relatively thin so that the addition of inoculantallows good contact with the organic material with minimal or nomechanical mixing.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 , twoinoculants are added to the organic material during inoculation. Thefirst inoculant comprises the inoculant described above, while thesecond inoculant comprises approximately 90% v/v trace minerals andvitamins and approximately 10% v/v bio-detergents.

The quantity of each of the two inoculants used will depend on the typeof organic matter being inoculated. For instance, for organic materialscontaining manures or bio-solids or other wet organic inputs,approximately 1 litre of each of the two inoculants is applied for eachapproximately 10 m³ of organic material. On the other hand, if theorganic material comprises only green waste, dry leaves, chipped wood orsimilar materials, approximately 0.5 litres of each of the twoinoculants is applied for each approximately 10 m³ of organic material.

The two inoculants may be combined in a single container and dilutedwith water at a ratio of approximately 1:1:10 (first formulation:secondformulation:water) for application to the organic material (forinstance, by spraying).

The inoculants should be of a type capable of fostering and maintaininga preponderance of bacterial photosynthetic activity together withlactic acid production and a wide range of fungal activity. Inparticular, it is preferred that the selection of inoculants used shouldresult in the formation of a population of grey-coloured aerobic fungalactivity which display purple pigmentation under microscopicexamination.

During inoculation 13, water content of the organic material must beadjusted to approximately 60% w/w. The relatively high moisture contentof the inoculated organic material ensures that circulation of themicro-organisms within the organic material is possible without the needfor mechanical mixing.

Preferably, the organic material comprises at least 30% w/w water priorto the addition of the diluted inoculant.

Once inoculated, the organic material is formed into piles 140. This isachieved using one or more load-shifting machines, such as a backhoe,front end loader, tractor, Bobcat™ or the like.

Piles should be formed so that their height is equal to or greater thanapproximately 1.8 m (typically between about 2 m and 5 m). It isenvisaged that a depression will be included roughly the centre of thetop of each pile, the depression being a minimum of 200 mm from the topof the highest peak either side of the depression. The depression may beof any suitable shape, although in some embodiments a V- or U-shapeddepression may be formed in the upper surface of the pile. In situationsin which windrows are formed, it is preferred that the depressionextends substantially along the entire length of the windrow. Ideally, ahose for adding water to the pile should be placed in the depressionunder the covers used to cover the pile.

The covers should be weighted to allow the depression to be outlined,and to form a seal around the pile to substantially maintain the levelof moisture within the pile (i.e. to substantially preclude the loss ofwater from the pile). The depression should not be allowed to remainfull of water above the covers (i.e. to allow drainage of the depressionto either end of the pile).

The purpose of the depression is to create the conditions for theconvection of water inside the covered pile so that a circulation ofwater and water vapour moves through the pile driven by internal andexternal temperature gradients.

The covers should completely seal the pile from external contact orcontamination and should be fabricated from a material which willprevent water egress or ingress.

Once the piles have been formed and covered, incubation 15 occurs. Theinitial incubation period is between 6 and 12 weeks. During incubation,moisture content and temperature of the pile should be monitored. Amoisture level of approximately 40% w/w should be maintained in thepile. The moisture content may be maintained through the addition ofwater to the pile.

At the completion of the initial incubation period, the piles areuncovered and spread 16. The spreading of the piles is generallyconducted so that a layer of organic material is formed with a depth ofbetween about 500 mm and 600 mm.

The organic material is inoculated 17 for a second time, the inoculationprocess being substantially identical to the initial inoculation process13. After the organic material has been inoculated 17 for a second time,piles are again formed and covered 18. The process for forming the pilesis substantially identical to the initial pile forming process 140. Thesecond inoculation 17 is important to create a generational dominancechange towards phototrophic organisms.

After piles have been formed, further incubation 19 takes place. Theincubation process 19 is substantially the same as the initialincubation process 15, except that the further incubation 19 isgenerally 14 to 20 weeks in length, although it is envisaged that thefurther incubation 19 could be carried out for up to 30 weeks or more.

At the completion of the further incubation 19, the piles are uncoveredand are screened 201. Any screen size may be used, although in theembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 , the organic material isscreened at both 20 mm and 5 mm so that three size fractions areproduced. The fraction of the organic material that is less than 5 mm insize is used as a high value humus rich soil ameliorant, while thefraction of the organic material in the 5 mm to 20 mm range is used asanimal bedding, a potting mix additive, general mulch cover and so on.

Particles over 20 mm in size are checked for inorganic contaminants and,if present, these are removed. All remaining organic material isreturned 21 to the start of the process to act as a partial inoculantfor subsequent organic material treatment.

The products in the under 5 mm particle size range and 5 mm to 20 mmsize range are packed 22 for transportation and eventual use. Anysuitable packing technique and material may be used, although it ispreferred that the packing material should provide at least someprotection from water ingress and water egress.

Portion of Description of Embodiments of Australian Patent No.2012283757, Incorporated Herein by Reference

In FIG. 4 there is illustrated a flow diagram of a waste conversionprocess according to an embodiment of the present invention. Illustratedin this Figure are a number of containers 10 in the form of buckets forthe collection and transportation of organic material to a wasteconversion apparatus. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the containers 10 whose contents have already been dispensed into theapparatus are washed in a washing facility 11. In the washing facility11, inoculant is added to the water, meaning that the organic materialcollected in the containers 10 is pre-inoculated. This is done in partto suppress odours arising from the organic material, and also toenhance the production of the output product 12.

Organic material is fed into a size reduction process 13 and is mixedwith water 14 and inoculant 15. Once the size of the organic materialhas been reduced to the desired size, the size reduced and inoculatedorganic material is fed to a maceration and mixing process 16.

Once maceration is completed, the inoculated organic material istransferred to an incubation process 17. The incubation process 17 isconducted in a static (i.e. non agitated), vented vessel or chamber. Ifnecessary or desired, gases 18 may be extracted from the incubationprocess for use, for instance in the generation of electricity.

After a suitable period of time (and the length of time will depend onthe type of inoculant used, the type and amount of organic materialused, the size of the size reduced organic material, the ambientconditions and so on) the output product 12 is removed from theincubation process 17 and used for fertilizer, fuel, as a collectedsubstrate for energy generation and so on.

In FIG. 5 there is shown an exploded view of a waste conversionapparatus 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theapparatus-19 comprises a size reduction portion 20 comprising a grindingunit 21 that is housed within a first housing 22. Organic material isfed into the grinding unit 21 through an aperture 23 in an upper surface31 of the first housing 22, with the aperture 23 being in communicationwith the grinding unit 21. Tools such as a plunger 24 and tongs 25 areprovided to assist in forcing organic material into and through thegrinding unit 21, for instance if the organic material becomes stuck inthe grinding unit 21. It is also envisaged that, in commercial ordomestic applications, the apparatus 19 will be provided with a poster25 or instruction sheet that sets out details of how to use theapparatus 19 and/or the types of matter that should and should not beplaced in the grinding unit 21. It is envisaged that the poster 25 willbe displayed on a wall or other surface adjacent the apparatus 19.

The upper surface 31 of the first housing 22 is sloped downwards towardsthe aperture 23 in order to assist in ensuring the organic materialflows towards the aperture 23. In addition, the sloped upper surface 31allows for the upper surface 31, to be washed down easily after use.

The outlet 26 of the grinding unit 21 is connected to a pump 27 via hose28 that passes through an aperture 30 in the wall of the first housing22 as well as a corresponding aperture in the wall of a second housing29. The pump 27 is housed within the second housing 29 which, in theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 5 , is separate to thefirst housing 22.

The pump 27 pumps the size reduced and inoculated organic material toeither a maceration portion (not shown) or an incubation portion (notshown) via hose 32 that exits the second housing 29 through an aperture33 in the wall thereof.

The upper surface 34 of the second housing 29 is provided with asubstantially flat region in which a container 10 for the collection oforganic material may be stored when not in use or prior to emptying itscontents into the grinding unit 21.

In FIG. 6 there is shown a schematic view of a waste conversionapparatus 19 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Inthis Figure it may be more clearly seen that the outlet 26 of thegrinding unit 21 is connected to the pump 27 by hose 28. A series ofcontrols 37 are provided on the first housing 21 for switching theapparatus on and off, operating the grinding unit 21 and/or the pump 27and so on.

The outlet of the pump 27 is connected to the incubation portion 35 (inthe form of a clear or semi-opaque tank) via hose 32. In the embodimentof the invention shown in FIG. 6 , a fitting 36 is inserted into anupper region of the incubation portion 35 to allow a flow of organicmaterial through the hose 32 and into the incubation portion 35.

It is envisaged that the incubation portion 35 will include a tap,stopcock, valve or the like (not shown) through which the outputmaterial may be removed from the incubation portion 35 for use.

CITATION LIST

-   Kenneth Bellamy, ‘Photosynthesis: Fixing carbon and making    water’ (2009)    <https://nanopdf.com/download/photosynthesis-fixing-carbon-and-making-water-6co2-12h2o_pdf>.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for restoring a contaminated site,the method consisting of the steps: developing an amended contaminatedsite by: undertaking a primary amendment of soil in a contaminated site,wherein the step of undertaking the primary amendment of the soil in thecontaminated site consists of applying a first catalyst, a secondcatalyst, and optionally a third catalyst to the soil in thecontaminated site, wherein the first catalyst, the second catalyst, andoptionally the third catalyst are applied to a first portion of the soilin the contaminated site such that a first matrix of biological energygeneration points are constructed on 5% or less of the contaminated siteby area; undertaking a secondary amendment of the soil in thecontaminated site, wherein the step of undertaking the secondaryamendment of the soil in the contaminated site consists of applying thefirst catalyst, the second catalyst, and optionally the third catalystto the soil in the contaminated site, wherein the first catalyst, thesecond catalyst, and optionally the third catalyst are applied to asecond portion of the soil in the contaminated site such that a secondmatrix of biological energy generation points are constructed on 20% orless of the contaminated site by area, and wherein the second portion ofthe contaminated site comprises the first portion of the contaminatedsite; and undertaking a tertiary amendment of the soil in thecontaminated site, wherein the step of undertaking the tertiaryamendment of the soil in the contaminated site consists of applying thefirst catalyst, the second catalyst, and optionally the third catalystto the soil in the contaminated site, wherein the first catalyst, thesecond catalyst, and optionally the third catalyst are applied to athird portion of the soil in the contaminated site such that a thirdmatrix of biological energy generation points are constructed on 75% orless of the contaminated site by area, and wherein the third portion ofthe contaminated site comprises the second portion of the contaminatedsite and the first portion of the contaminated site, wherein biologicalenergy is generated in the first matrix, the second matrix, and thethird matrix of biological energy generation points by capturing solarenergy outside a spectral range used by plants and subsequently storingthe solar energy in the soil of the contaminated site as an organicmolecule, wherein the soil in the contaminated site has at least one ofacidity, alkalinity, or sodic contamination, wherein the first catalystconsists of a humified soil prepared from continuous fermentation of afirst organic material, the second catalyst consists of a liquidfertiliser prepared from continuous fermentation of a second organicmaterial, and the third catalyst is a liquid generated by biologicalhydrosynthesis at least one of in or on the amended contaminated site,wherein the first catalyst and the second catalyst stimulate activity ofone or more prokaryotic organisms in the first matrix, the secondmatrix, and the third matrix of the biological energy generation pointsto convert the organic molecule to water and one or more compounds richin hydrogen, thereby resulting in formation of a second humified soilhaving an excess of soil moisture, the excess of soil moistureincreasing at least one of water flow in the second humified soil ormovement of water in a water table associated with the contaminatedsite, and wherein increasing the at least one of the water flow in thesecond humified soil or the movement of water in the water tableassociated with the contaminated site and formation of the one or morecompounds rich in hydrogen together improve a capacity of the soil inthe contaminated site to balance hydrogen compounds by at least one ofreducing excessive acidity and alkalinity of the soil in thecontaminated site, improving hydrogen exchange between biotic andabiotic sources, or reducing the sodic contamination of the soil in thecontaminated site.
 2. A method for restoring a contaminated siteaccording to claim 1, wherein a total amount of the first catalystapplied during the primary amendment, the secondary amendment, and thetertiary amendment is at least 400 kilograms per hectare annually and atotal amount of the second catalyst applied during the primaryamendment, the secondary amendment, and the tertiary amendment is atleast 5 litres per hectare annually.
 3. A method for restoring acontaminated site according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofundertaking the primary amendment, undertaking the secondary amendment,or undertaking the tertiary amendment of the soil in the contaminatedsite consists of applying the first catalyst, the second catalyst, andoptionally the third catalyst to at least one of a contiguous atmosphereabove a surface of the contaminated site or a feature on the surface ofthe contaminated site.
 4. A method for restoring a contaminated siteaccording to claim 3, wherein the feature on the surface of thecontaminated site is vegetation.
 5. A method for restoring acontaminated site according to claim 1, wherein amending thecontaminated site with the first catalyst and the second catalystsupports development and health of a soil microbiome.
 6. A method forrestoring a contaminated site according to claim 1, wherein at least oneof undertaking the primary amendment, undertaking the secondaryamendment, or undertaking the tertiary amendment at least one ofbalances the acidity or alkalinity of the amended contaminated site orreduces an impact on plant growth of excessive sodicity of the amendedcontaminated site.
 7. A method for restoring a contaminated siteaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of undertaking the primaryamendment, undertaking the secondary amendment, or undertaking thetertiary amendment assists in absorbing and managing contaminants,including contamination arising from an imbalance in at least one ofhydrogen ions or sodicity.
 8. A method for restoring a contaminated siteaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of undertaking the primaryamendment, undertaking the secondary amendment, or undertaking thetertiary amendment supports biological hydrosynthesis, wherein at leastone of the excess of soil moisture or increased water storage capacityin the amended contaminated site acts as at least one of a hydrogen orsalt buffer.